e_, it was only requisite to
have slept the previous night in the ward where he voted; this gave rise
to an extensive system of colonization just before the election. In
short, it was evident that the ballot _alone_ would not secure a fair
vote, while the experience of Philadelphia showed that _with a good
system of registry_ it answered every required purpose. A registry law
was accordingly reported and read the first time.

Great was the wrath of the Loco-Focos[5] when they found this measure on
the _tapis_. The strength of the two parties in the city was very nearly
balanced, the mercantile influence of the Whigs, and the papist
influence of the Locos, being about a match for each other. Indeed, the
same side seldom carried its candidates for mayor and aldermen more than
two years successively. But the Locos had good reason to fear that a
strict registry law would knock on the head nearly a thousand of their
voters, without making corresponding havoc in the Whig ranks. They were
therefore naturally anxious to prevent, if possible, the passage of this
law; every effort was put forth to make it appear unpopular, by calling
meetings, and getting up petitions against it.

Most of the Whigs cared nothing for this; but some men, whose good
feeling outran their discretion, and who had the fatuity to suppose that
Loco-Focos were capable of being influenced by reason, called a meeting
(it was about a week previous to the charter election) "of citizens,
without distinction of party," to express their approval of the registry
law. Such calls, emanating professedly from neutrals, but really from
partisans, are not uncommon; and the result of them usually is, that the
speakers meet with no opposition, and the resolutions are carried
unanimously; none of the other party, except perhaps, a reporter or two,
attending. But on the present occasion, the opponents of the measure
were determined that its friends should _not_ have it all their own way;
so some thirty or forty of the Locos attended, and did their best to
impede the proceedings. First, they objected to the gentleman proposed
for chairman; then they interrupted the speakers; and, finally, kicked
up such a row as effectually to drown the voice of the secretary, who
was trying to read the first resolution offered.

Now of all the offences against good manners that can be committed in
America, disturbing the harmony of a public meeting is about the most
flagrant. It may be su